Tesla Sued After Cybertruck on Autopilot Crashes, Nearly Drives Off Houston Overpass

A Houston woman is suing Tesla for $1 million after her Cybertruck allegedly malfunctioned and crashed into a barrier, causing serious injuries.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 10:35pm

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A Houston woman has sued Tesla for $1 million after her Tesla Cybertruck, allegedly operating in self-driving mode, was captured on camera nearly sending her and her infant off a bridge before ultimately crashing into an overpass barrier. The woman, Justine Saint Amour, suffered serious injuries to her right shoulder, neck and back, including two herniated discs, in the August 2025 incident.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the safety and reliability of Tesla's self-driving technology, as well as the company's marketing of its driver assistance features. It comes as Tesla faces increased scrutiny and regulation over false advertising claims related to its 'Autopilot' system.

The details

According to the lawsuit, on August 18, 2025, Saint Amour was driving her Tesla Cybertruck on Houston's 69 Eastex Freeway with the autopilot feature engaged. The dashcam video shows the vehicle continuing straight ahead instead of following the right-hand curve of a Y-shaped overpass, crashing violently into a concrete barrier. Saint Amour's attorney claims she tried to take control of the wheel but was unable to prevent the crash. The lawsuit alleges that Tesla misrepresented the capabilities of its driver-assistance system and was negligent in the design of its 'Autopilot' feature, failing to incorporate safety mechanisms like more effective emergency braking or lidar technology.

  • On August 18, 2025, the incident occurred on Houston's 69 Eastex Freeway.

The players

Justine Saint Amour

A Houston woman who was driving a Tesla Cybertruck with the autopilot feature engaged when the vehicle crashed into a barrier, causing her serious injuries.

Bob Hilliard

The attorney representing Justine Saint Amour in the $1 million lawsuit against Tesla.

Tesla

The electric vehicle manufacturer that is being sued by Justine Saint Amour over the alleged malfunction of its Cybertruck and 'Autopilot' feature.

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What they’re saying

“Something terrifying happened, without warning, the vehicle attempted to drive straight off an overpass.”

— Bob Hilliard, Attorney (FOX Business)

“Tesla's self driving relies on cheap video cameras alone, with no LiDar. The vehicle also lacks a proper driver alert system to ensure drivers are ready to take over driving.”

— Bob Hilliard, Attorney (FOX Business)

“Tesla's decisions made Justine's accident inevitable. This company wants drivers to believe and trust their life on a lie: that the vehicle can self-drive and that it can do so safely. It can't, and it doesn't.”

— Bob Hilliard, Attorney (Hilliard Law)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to allow the lawsuit to proceed.

The takeaway

This incident raises serious questions about the safety and reliability of Tesla's self-driving technology, as well as the company's marketing practices. It highlights the need for stricter regulation and oversight to ensure autonomous vehicle systems are truly safe before being deployed on public roads.